“I Can Study That?!”: The Preservation Studies Major and Minor at Roger Williams University

The Major/Minor

This week’s featured program is the Preservation Studies Major and Minor at Roger Williams University. From the website:

As one of the oldest programs of its kind in America, Historic Preservation at RWU couples multidisciplinary coursework in subjects like history, architecture, law and economics with rigorous field-based professional workshops and internships. Because preservation is as much about people and place as it is about history, you’ll study historic buildings, landscapes and communities both here in New England and abroad in Florence, Italy.

Students enrolled in the major take the required core – an interdisciplinary mix of courses in art history, cultural studies, architecture, history, math, and preservation studies – and then choose electives in cultural studies, history, and preservation studies. Students enrolled in the minor take three required courses (Architectural Analysis I, Introduction to Preservation Studies, and History and Philosophy of Historic Preservation) and then select three electives. 

Two Interesting Courses

PRES 101- Introduction to Preservation Studies

Introduction to the study, interpretation and preservation of cultural, natural, and social resources, while considering ways to best plan for our future, informed by the study of our past and the engagement of stakeholders today. Lectures and discussion are augmented by visiting speakers and field trips to sites and communities. The range of career opportunities is explored.

PRES 572 – Preservation Law and Regulation

The course is designed to provide students with working knowledge of the public policy issues, legal structure and regulatory functions in the field of historic preservation. Student activities will be designed to teach working knowledge of relevant legal subjects, including historic preservation ordinances, state and federal preservation statutes, relevant case precedents and important constitutional issues.

Five Possible Complementary Majors/Minors at Roger Williams University

• • Architecture Major or Minor
  • Cultural Studies Major or Minor
  • History Major or Minor
  • Sustainability Studies Minor
  • Urban Studies Minor

Unique Opportunities within the Major/Minor

Students interested in earning their master’s degree can pursue the 4+1 (5-year) B.S./M.S program. Preservation Studies students study abroad through Roger Williams University’s partnership with the International Studies Institute (ISI) in Florence, Italy, where they have access to coursework specific to their major.

Sample Similar Programs

• • Ball State University: Historic Preservation Minor
  • College of Charleston: Historic Preservation and Community Planning Major and Minor
  • Temple University: Historic Preservation Major